Angelica polymorpha
Maxim.
(c) Chuangzao, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Chuangzao
(c) Leslie Hurteau, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Leslie Hurteau
(c) ingester, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by ingester
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves
Leaves - cooked.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng), Korea, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku)
How to Identify
Angelica polymorpha is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. One report says that this is no more than a synonym for A. sinensis. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun. Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed.
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring. The seed can also be sow in situ as soon as it is ripe.
Medicinal Uses
Diuretic Laxative Oxytoxic Vasoconstrictor. The plant is diuretic, laxative, oxytocic and vasoconstrictor. It is used in the treatment of menstrual irregularities, metrorrhagia, meridian and passageway obstructions, rheumatism, boils and ulcers, traumatic injuries, anaemia, dryness (dehydration) and constipation.
